Date Published 03 October 2025
Lawyers are warning that a lack of clarity around pet ownership in the forthcoming Renters Reform Bill could lead to a surge in disputes between tenants and landlords. One of the final unresolved aspects of the legislation is the 'Pets in Lets' provision, which would grant tenants the right to request a pet. Landlords would then be required to consider these requests and could only refuse on 'reasonable grounds.' However, Irwin Mitchell's Residential Property team cautions that the practical details remain unclear.
Currently, most tenancy agreements contain a blanket 'no pets' clause, and even where such clauses are absent, landlords can refuse without explanation. The original Bill allowed landlords to require pet insurance to address concerns about damage, but this was later replaced with a Lords amendment suggesting an additional deposit. When the Bill returned to the Commons, that proposal was dismissed in favour of relying on existing deposit rules — leaving both tenants and landlords uncertain about how pet-related damage will be handled in practice.
Furthermore, lawyers also highlight that 'reasonable grounds' for refusal remain undefined. Could a landlord reject a request because a pet may disturb neighbours? What happens if consent needs to be withdrawn, and must it be given in writing? Is approval tied to one specific pet, or could it apply to a type or number of pets? Without clear answers, landlords may respond by tightening their criteria or avoiding pet-owning tenants altogether, undermining the Bill's aim of making renting more inclusive and flexible.
Hayley Bruce, from Irwin Mitchell, explains: 'It's important that government get this part of the Bill right and strong guidance is provided to give clarity on how pets can be accommodated fairly and responsibly in rented homes. Without that, this part of the Bill risks creating more confusion than confidence.' The Renters Reform Bill is currently in the 'ping pong' stage between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, with Royal Assent expected later this autumn.
At Adams Estates, we are committed to protecting both landlords and tenants. Where pets are permitted, we ensure a tailored pet agreement is signed and an appropriate security deposit is in place, reducing risk for landlords while keeping tenancies fair and transparent. If you would like advice on managing pets in your rental property or need support navigating the upcoming Renters Reform Bill changes, our team is here to help.
